Hello lizards,
I know it has been a long time since I have posted much here. However the reason for my absence is a very good one. As you all know I was scheduled to have a bilateral total knee replacement done the middle of December. My total knee replacement surgery has been post-pone. Right before I finished my work-up for surgery. My DH came home from a regular appointment with his cardiologist and said. The doctor said I have to have my aortic valve re-replaced in the next month or so.
He was very upset
. not at having to have open-heart surgery, but that my knees were not going to be done as scheduled. Talk about an angel of a husband. He tried talking the heart surgeon into making me have my knees done before his surgery. But
.heart trumps knees, didnt DH know that?
As some of you may remember my DH had an aortic valve replacement done back in June of 1998. At that time we decided on a human valve so he would not have to be on coumadin (blood thinners) after the surgery. We were told the valve would last 10 15 years. Well, DH is not going to make to that time frame. Upon this news we immediately stopped everything else we had going on in life, cancelled my knee surgery and rushed to his heart surgeon.
We have been very busy for the last four weeks at hospitals, doctors offices and numerous phone calls, and conference calls.
We are praising God, as the news has been good. All his arteries are clear and clean as a whistle. So there is no need for any additional procedures or surgery before the open-heart aortic valve replacement. They have examined him from head to toe and only want to seriously caution us about his heart valve.
The aortic valve should be 30 mm in diameter; DHs was 1 mm on his last echo. As of the cardiac cath it was down to .07mm. The doctors do not want him lifting anything over 8 pounds, no excursion, and no exercise other than walking at a normal pace. Limit stress and upset as much as possible. After giving DH this news, they took me aside and said You do understand if he starts to have any symptoms you must call 911 or get him to a hospital immediately. They didnt need to say this to me as I kind of figured that out when they told me his valve was down to .07mm. But it certainly does make one sit up and take notice. Symptoms I am to watch for are shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, dizziness or swelling of the feet or legs. So far he has only a little shortness of breath if he eats too quickly or drinks too much water.
As of today we are waiting for a phone call with a surgery date. DH is off work until after his surgery. This is a big surgery. They will be going in for the second time so there is scar tissue and other issues to consider. On his first surgery 7 ½ years ago 5 days after the surgery and the day before he was to go home he developed a pulmonary embolism and coded on us. He ended up back in ICU and on life support for an additional week. All the staff referred to him as a walking miracle as only 10 % survive a pulmonary embolism.
My DH has the very best attitude. He is so strong and positive that this surgery will go perfectly. He has a great sense of humor and is such a joy to be around. We are praying that God will make him strong and protect him during the surgery. We also are praying for each person on his surgical team to be guided and blessed.
I have been off work since December 15th taking DH to all his appointments and surgery procedures. (we did sneak away to see Narnia. Great movie we both really enjoyed that). We had a nice Christmas Eve at our home with friends dropping by. Christmas day we spent with DH's twin brother, his wife, younger sister and her husband and MIL & FIL. It was a lot of fun.
Today is my first day back and I find myself checking on him at home and being a little worried. But, I have to trust God that he will take care of my sweetheart. I will try to keep you all updated on things. I would like to ask for prayer for my DH his name is
Tim. I pray that I will be able to give him all he needs from me and that I can stay strong and be all I need to be for him.
Now that I have filled you all in on what is going on here I want to touch base with as many of you as possible.
Minnisota - Thank you for your prayers and good wishes. Riley, I like that name, how old is he? You have him almost house broken, now that is impressive! Isnt life wonderful with animals? We have three dogs
aw: and I dont know what we would do with out them. They make us laugh with their antics, cuddle with us when we are feeling down and kiss away any tears. A perfect gift from God to enrich our lives here on earth.
Nancy 56 - I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family. Hey, girl it is not too many days to go until your AKL trip.
I hope you have a wonderful time and make many memories together. Thank you for your love and thoughtfulness I appreciate that more than you can imagine. Please give us a trip report when you get back.
EAD 79 Dear Elizabeth, I am sure you are home from your trip to WDW.
You will have to tell us all about it. I hope you all had a wonderful time together. If my memory severs me you were going with your whole family. I am sure WDW was beyond beautiful at this time of year.
Goofys Muse - Sending you warm wishes for a Healthy Happy New Year. I hope you are doing and feeling better. I know this Christmas must have been hard for you. But know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tammy Mcmann - Wow do I miss seeing your posts. You are such a joy to be around and you have such vast knowledge about Disney. I hope your Christmas was wonderful with your children and the New Year will bring many metals for your son and his partner, as well as a trip to Disney for you and your DH. Mickey says you are way overdue.
Minniesummar- I am sure things have been very difficult and hectic for you. Know that many care you about here in lounge. You are a wonderful mom, wife, daughter and friend dont ever think otherwise. Try to stay strong physically, take some time for yourself.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
To anyone I have missed, please forgive me. Sending prayers and pixie dust for all. Enjoy each and every minute you have with your family and friends. Life is not a dress rehearsal.
Love, Joy and Prayers,
Angel 16
The tree goes up tomorrow, I promise, though perhaps I'd better drag it into the garage before it gathers even more snow on it! 
It has been a different season for us. We have had days in the 70's with sunshine and days where it looks like it is going to snow, but it isn't cold enough and it the day ends without a drop of rain.
:thewave: 
Wish we could be there to watch their reaction. 
I hope you have a wonderful day!
I started to get up to escort him to the correct exit when he found the walkway. After the movie I walked up to them as I was actually going to say how ashamed of themselves they should be. I even had it in my head to tell them that I hope their children watch how they take care of their father as we all are witness to our children and how they will act in future life experiences. May your children learn the proper way to treat and care for their elders from your actions. However, I choked, couldn't speak a word and left the theater in tears. Now lizards this is not at all like me. First off, I am very non-confrontational. And always think about the other side of things. Such as what all may have happened during the day. Feels strange to not be in control of my emotional state. 
Yep I think I need some cream, pill, vitamins. Let me join Tammi on a quest for any information or suggestions that would help.
